Barbara
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for Barbara, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Name — A female given name, originally from the Latin word barbarus ("foreign").
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Latin Barbara, feminine of barbarus, from Greek barbaros ("foreign, strange") — the same root behind the modern word "barbarian."
Full origin of Barbara →Frequently asked questions
What does “Barbara” mean?
The word “Barbara” means a female given name, originally from the Latin word barbarus ("foreign"). In plain terms, a common English female first name, ultimately from the same Greek root as "barbarian.".
How do you pronounce “Barbara”?
“Barbara” is pronounced BAHB-ruh (/ˈbɑɹb(ə)ɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Barbara” in a sentence?
Here is “Barbara” used in a sentence: “Barbara has been a popular name in English-speaking countries for generations.”
What part of speech is “Barbara”?
“Barbara” is a name.
Where does the word “Barbara” come from?
The word “Barbara” comes from Latin. From Latin Barbara, feminine of barbarus, from Greek barbaros ("foreign, strange") — the same root behind the modern word "barbarian.".
Is “Barbara” a common word?
“Barbara” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the origin of the name Barbara?
Barbara is a female given name that comes from the Latin word barbarus, meaning "foreign." The Latin root originally referred to people regarded as foreigners or outsiders.
Is Barbara a first name or a surname?
Barbara is used as a female given name, that is, a first name rather than a family name. It is a standalone name in English and other European languages.
How is the name Barbara used in writing?
As a proper noun, Barbara is always capitalised whenever it refers to a person. It does not normally take an article, so you write "Barbara arrived" rather than "a Barbara arrived" in ordinary use.